Volume 52, Number 8-9 May/June 2007 Foraging Ecology of the Larry Arbanas Returns L arr y Arbana s , MDA S Albatross • Michelle Kappes member and bird and nature In February, MDAS photographer, continues his quest members were given an to collect high definition footage of overview of the lengthy the behavior of all North American and surprising migra- bird species for the media collection tions of a variety of of the Macaulay Library of Natural open-ocean animals. Sounds and Images in the Cornell At our May 3 meeting, Lab of Ornithology. His travels Michelle Kappes, PhD take him from Maine to Mexico candidate from U.C. and from Alaska to Florida. Larry Santa Cruz, will pres- is currently filming in Florida and Rufous-capped Warbler at ent details of her re- the Dry Tortugas and will share Barranca de Yécora, Mexico Laysan Albatross nest at Kilauea Point search on the foraging his latest spectacular footage on Larry Arbanas photo National Wildlife Refuge on the island ecology of three species June 7. of Kauai, Hawaii. of albatrosses in two A lifelong, passionate naturalist, Larry grew up in a family of ocean basins. Michelle studies the foraging distribution behavior professional still photographers for whom nature photography was of the Laysan and Black-footed albatrosses from Tern Island in a primary interest. Throughout his career as a professional video the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, in comparison to the foraging producer and commercial TV cameraman, Larry has provided behavior of the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses of Amsterdam video footage for clients such as The World Book Encyclopedia, Island, Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises. All three of Black Entertainment TV, Kraft Foods, and VH1. His life and these species use similar oceanographic domains during long- career direction changed dramatically in March of 1989. He was distance foraging trips. They favor pelagic zones of convergence profoundly moved by the tragedy of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill as between subtropical and subpolar waters. At Amsterdam Island he watched the efforts to rescue otters, seals, and sea birds from these habitats are found in close proximity to the breeding colony, Prince William Sound. He redirected his efforts as a commercial Continued on Page 2 » video cameraman to telling stories of conservation and restoration of the natural environment. His business, Earthwhile Nature Productions, has provided video footage for the U.S. Fish and Meeting Schedule Wildlife Service and California Fish and Game. For the past four The next general meeting of Mount Diablo Audubon years he has devoted his time to collecting high definition footage Society will be Thursday, May 3, in the Camellia Room Continued on Page 2 » of The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Annual Potluck Dinner Drive, Walnut Creek. (Map on page 7). The June potluck is held in our regular meeting place before 7:00 pm Birding Information the presentation by Larry Arbanas. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Mem- 7:25 pm Announcements and Election of Officers bers bring a main dish, salad, or dessert and their own utensils 7:40 pm Social time, refreshments,* door prize and coffee cup. Please mark your serving plates. Tea, coffee and 8:05 pm Speaker: Michelle Kappes punch will be provided; bring your own wine if you wish. * Please remember to bring a cup. I wish to thank all the members who have contributed the June 7: Annual Potluck Dinner delicious treats that we all shared during our meetings this last 6:30 pm Doors open year. Some members bring something each meeting they attend! 7:00 pm Dinner is served! And also a huge thank you to everyone who unselfishly takes 8:05 pm Speaker: Larry Arbanas time to help me set up and clean up after each meeting—I’m so grateful to all! Thank you so much.Gerry Argenal DEDICATED TO HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION the Quail —— May/June 2007 President’s Corner Continued from Page 1 » I always wait until the last minute to May Meeting: Michelle Kappes see what crosses my desk or my mind be- while at Tern Island, albatrosses must com- fore I write this column. A couple of things mute great distances to reach these highly happened to me in the last few days that productive foraging grounds. This may seem to fit together as a subject and the have important behavioral and energetic subject is what kind of small things can consequences for these species. Michelle’s we do that are very practical to help the work is part of the ‘Tagging of Pacific Pelag- environment. ics’ project, a multi-disciplinary research Most of you probably know these program aimed at understanding the three things, but it never hurts to mention migration patterns of large, open-ocean animals in the North Pacific. them again. The first is something that has Can you identify this distinctive duck always bugged me—bottled water. I heard Before coming to U.C. Santa Cruz, whose sound has been described as a loud, a news report that said one billion—yes, a Michelle worked with NOAA’s Antarctic piercing squeal “ooo-eek, ooo-eek” when billion—plastic water bottles go into land Ecosystem Research Division investigating it is disturbed and taking flight? Turn to fills in this country every year un-recycled! reproductive ecology, demography, diet, Page 7 to learn more. Less than 15% of plastic water bottles get and foraging ecology of Chinstrap and recycled. For us with East Bay MUD and Gentoo Penguins on Livingston Island, Contra Costa water district, our tap water South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. This has better standards than bottled water. work is part of a larger ecosystem-moni- Welcome Please, get a container and fill it from the toring project aimed at assessing potential tap. The second is household hazardous fisheries impacts to Antarctic krill popu- New Members waste. We did some spring cleaning around lations and dependant predators in the Sherill Borg Concord the house last week. You know, under the Southern Ocean. Bill Kleeman Walnut Creek sink, in the closets and garage and pulled Michelle’s Master’s research focused on Fred & Donna Locher Clayton out over 20 cans, bottles, aerosol cans etc. the breeding and foraging ecology of Caspian Harold Newman Berkeley that had not been used maybe in years. Terns in the mid-Columbia River, with spe- Connie Pudlak Vallejo Both Contra Costa and Alameda cific focus on the effects of their predation counties have drop off sites for these kinds impact on ESA-listed juvenile salmonids. Karol Richardson Pleasant Hill of products that will dispose of them safely This information is now being used by state, Idell Weydemeyer El Sobrante and it is free. Phone 800-646-1431 to find federal, and tribal resource managers to help out where to go. The third item seems make decisions regarding management of strange, but it makes sense. When we wash tern predation in the region. our cars in our driveway, that soap and grime goes right into the storm drain and Birding Information then to urban creeks and eventually into Last Fall the Board of Directors of the Bay. A professional car wash location Mount Diablo Audubon initiated a pro- recycles the water coming off the cars gram to honor private citizens who have they wash. Good reason to have your car made an individual effort to enrich the washed. natural environment of our community. With spring migration in full swing, it On May 3, MDAS will honor John is time to get out to look for our returning Ginochio, a local cattle rancher. John Continued from Page 1 » bird friends, so let’s get out there. maintains a Barn Owl box on his barn and a Kestrel box on his windmill tower. He June Meeting: Larry Arbanas of the behavior of all North American Election of Officers maintains habitat for Burrowing Owls and birds, to be included in the collections of At each May meeting of the Mount about two acres of brush habitat support- the Macaulay Library. Diablo Audubon Society, in accordance ing brush rabbits and California Quail. with the bylaws, we elect officers for the Some of you will remember Larry’s He has opened both his ranch property following fiscal year. If you would like to last presentation when we were running and his marsh property near the Concord run for any of the positions, please call out of time and Larry offered to cut his Naval Weapons Station to our Christmas any of the present Board members, whose films short. The entire group declared Bird Counts. These areas have allowed our contact numbers are given on Page 7. in unison, “No!” and all stayed to see count to include some additional species All current officers are on the ballot the complete footage of his material. All such as Snipe and Prairie Falcon. for reelection: agreed that it was spectacular. Join us President: Jimm Edgar Phil and Pat Gordon, Jimm Edgar and June 7 for our annual Potluck Dinner and Vice President: Mike Williams Bob Wisecarver will share their experi- enjoy Larry’s beautiful high definition Treasurer: Steve Buffi ences with John and honor him for his films accompanied by appropriate and Secretary: Claudia Hein environmental awareness. entertaining background music. the Quail —— May/June 2007 SPEAKING OF CONSERVATION Arroyo del Cerro Makes a Comeback By Nancy Wenninger Arroyo del Cerro Creek meanders additional red-legged frog habitat. Fences through rolling grasslands along North were built along the creek corridor to Gate Road at the entrance to Mount Diablo exclude livestock while the plants become State Park. A 3,500-foot stretch of this established. A star thistle control project riparian corridor is being restored through was also initiated on the site. East Bay Regional Park District’s Resource Enhancement Program. In November 2000, the Park District YOU CAN HELP TO purchased a 46-acre parcel of land containing a portion of the creek for $1.05 CONTINUE million, to be added to Diablo Foothills THIS IMPORTANT Regional Park. Lennar Homes provided one third of the purchase price to mitigate RESTORATION the loss of riparian habitat at a residential aturday, May 19 from 9:00 am to development in Dougherty Valley; the S noon: EBRPD’s “Doc Quack” (a.k.a. balance came from EBRPD’s 1988 Measure Prior to EBRPD’s purchase, the land Dave Riensche) will lead volunteers AA bond funds. had been grazed for more than a century. as they enhance the plant life found The Arroyo property contains rolling The creek’s banks were severely eroded along the creek. Participants will earn hills of annual grasslands and the native and little riparian vegetation remained. a “Riparian Re-Leaf” patch. (Parental herbs which are abundant on the flanks of EBRPD embarked upon an enhancement participation required). Wear long Mt. Diablo. Arroyo del Cerro Creek is a project to restore the riparian habitat pants, hiking/mud boots, gloves, and tributary of Pine Creek and may provide on the Arroyo property. In addition hat and bring water, insect repellent habitat for the threatened California to providing funding for the purchase, and sunscreen. red-legged frog. Other common wildlife Lennar Homes performed the equivalent species found on the land include Western of $40,000 in capital improvements. REGISTER WITH DOC QUACK AT meadowlarks and mule deer. Raptors Clusters of native trees and shrubs 510-544-2319 or benefit from the abundant ground squirrel were planted along the creek. Two in- [email protected]. population. stream pools were created to provide

Our local elderberry, S. mexi- Native Plants cana, or Western Elderberry, grows widely in our hills. It grows for Native Birds in many plant communities, and it By Pat Bacchetti can be multi-trunked and spread- ing, or single-trunked like a small tree. They typically prefer sunny Elderberry areas, but can be grown in moder- Sambucus spp. ate shade. Rangier and less fruity An overlooked plant of our region in shade, the shrub is still an insect that is not often considered for gardens is and bird magnet in the summer. in the genus Sambucus—both Western, or Elderberry was just beginning to Blue, and Red Elderberry. Other species flower in the hills in April—look include S. nigra, from Europe and Asia, for large white umbels of flowers Elderberry along the San Francisco Bay Trail and S. canadensis, the eastern American at the top of shrubs with com- On my hill, Western Elderberry was elderberry. Elders are truly bird favor- pound leaves. one of the few natives flourishing among ites. Flickers, flycatchers, grosbeaks, nut- Elderberry is probably not going to the Black Acacia dominating the site. hatches, tanagers, and orioles flock to the be a showcase plant in your garden, but They still don’t receive much sun, even af- berries in summer. And because Anna’s it is a wonderful addition along the edges ter the acacia has been removed, but they Hummingbirds consume more insects of woodland gardens and hedges. The are hardy plants that bloom and berry ev- than other hummers, both on the fly and fragrant umbels are a swirl of insects pol- ery year. I prune mine hard in the fall, and off the tops of flowers, elderberry supplies linating the nectar-rich flowers, and but- they respond with more luxuriant growth them with an abundance of bugs. If you terflies love them. As the more tree-like in the spring. The stems are hollow, and can beat the birds, the blue berries can be plants age, the trunk develops a beautiful can be tied into bundles for native bee collected for jams and wine. ochre-brown color with brown streaking. Continued on Page 7 » the Quail —— May/June 2007 Field Trip Schedule By Hugh Harvey April Field trips are open to members and non-members, beginners and advanced 28 Saturday Fernandez Ranch birders. Weather or other contingencies may require changes. For updates, visit May the MDAS website at www.diabloaudubon.com/index/php. 2 Wednesday Mount Diablo State Park Because most trips do not return until late afternoon, bring a lunch and 10* Thursday Mitchell Canyon join us during our midday break. * Note change of date from May 9. Category ➊: Easy, little or no walking, smooth paths 19 Saturday East Contra Costa County Category ➋: Moderate, one mile or more, possibly rough terrain 24 Thursday West Briones Regional Park Category ➌: Difficult, extensive walking on rough terrain. June Carpool locations: Sun Valley—Southwest corner of the Sun Valley Mall 7 Thursday Sycamore Grove/Shadow Cliffs parking lot at Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa Boulevard in Concord. 9 Saturday Carquinez Strait Sycamore Valley Road Park and Ride Lot—Just south of Danville, exit I- 680 at Sycamore Valley Road to the east; the Park and Ride lot is on the left. See Page 8 El Nido Ranch Road—Take the Acalanes Road/Upper Happy Valley Road exit 16–17 Saturday/Sunday Yuba Pass/Sierra Valley of SR 24, west of Lafayette. El Nido Ranch Road is parallel to and north of the freeway. Park just east of the intersection with Acalanes Road and on the north side of El Nido Ranch Road. ➌ Saturday, April 28 Customary carpool expense is $3-5 for short trips, $5-10 for longer trips, Muir Heritage Land Trust plus tolls and entry fees shared among driver and riders. Leader: Nancy Wenninger, 938-7987. Meet at 8:30 am. Take Highway 4 west ➌ ➋ towards Richmond to Franklin Can- Thursday, May 10 Thursday, May 24 yon exit, turn left at stop sign and left Mitchell Canyon West Briones Regional Park again at next stop sign to get back on Leader: Maury Stern, 284-5980. Leader: Maury Stern, 284-5980. 4 eastbound. Immediately after pass- Meet at 8 am in Mitchell Canyon Meet at 8:00 am in parking lot on the ing Franklin Canyon golf course (on parking lot. There is a $3.00 parking right-hanbd side of the west entrance right), turn right onto Christie Road fee. From I-680 in Walnut Creek, take road, off Bear Creek Road. From SR 24 one mile past PG&E plant to gate on Ygnacio Valley Road to Clayton Road. in Orinda, drive north on Camino Pab- right side of road. We will hike the Turn right on Clayton Road and right on lo about 2¼ miles, turn right on Bear Trust’s new 700+ acre Fernandez Mitchell Canyon Road to the end. Gnat- Creek Road, continue for 4½ miles to Ranch property which contains a catchers, spring migrants and residents, park entrance. Wildflowers, spring mixture of oak woodland, grassland lots of wildflowers. Usually hot! Bring birds; Lazuli Buntings are abundant. and riparian habitat. liquids and lunch. Poison oak along shaded trails.

➋ Wednesday, May 2 ➋ Thursday, June 7 Mount Diablo State Park Sycamore Grove Leader: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330. Shadow Cliffs Regional Park MDSP is a treasure trove for Leaders: Bingham Gibbs, 838-9257 birders. Although every season in the Judi Cooper. park has its special qualities, May on Carpool leaves Sycamore Valley the mountain is especially beautiful Road Park and Ride at 7:30 am. Meet because wildflowers add brilliant color ➋ Saturday, May 19 at Sycamore Grove at 8 am. From I-680 to the vistas. Note: Carpool leaves East Contra Costa County south, take I-580 east toward Liver- at 8 am from La Gonda. From I-680 more. Turn right on 1st Street, turn left Leader: Paul Schorr, 757-5107. southbound, exit at El Pintado, turn onto South L Street, which becomes right and right again; park along open Carpool leaves at 6:30 am from Arroyo Road. Continue 3.8 miles to space on left. From I-680 northbound, Sun Valley. Or meet the leader at Veterans Park, just beyond Sycamore exit El Cerro, turn left, then right at 7:00 am on Cypress Road just beyond Grove. The two are adjacent and this second light onto La Gonda; carpool the Shortstop Market in Oakley. Go end usually has more birds. After bird- site is about one-half mile north. Meet north on I-680, east on SR 4 through ing one of the largest sycamore groves at 8:45 am at the South Gate entrance Oakley, left onto Cypress Road. Usu- in the state, we will drive to Shadow after birding South Gate Road. Usually ally hot! Blue Grosbeak, Burrowing Cliffs for lunch. Entry fee required. hot! Entry fee required. Sage, Rufous- Owl, Swainson’s Hawk and Yellow- crowned, and Black-chinned Sparrows breasted Chat possible. Bring lunch and migrant warblers all possible. and liquids. Continued on Page 5 » the Quail —— May/June 2007 Saturday/Sunday, June 16-17 April Observations By Steve Glover Yuba Pass Submit Contra Costa County sightings to Leaders: Steve Glover at [email protected] Rosita and Hugh Harvey, 935-2979. or (925) 997-1112. This is always a productive and Single pairs of Hooded Mergansers were well-favored weekend trip to the Upper San Leandro Reservoir near Moraga northern Sierra which requires driv- on 2/25 (DE) and along Refugio Creek in ing and walking, some of it over rough Hercules on 3/5 and 3/7 (MM). terrain. Saturday we will bird in the An Osprey was noted flying north over the Trampas Creek on 3/7 (MS). One other Sierra Valley for basin birds. Sunday western edge of Redwood Regional Park, Winter Wren, this one singing for at least we will be birding in the Yuba Pass area Alameda and Contra Costa counties, on the previous week, was reported on 3/7 for mountain birds. Meet at the top of 3/31 (RB). (PK). Winter Wrens are unknown as breed- the pass at 7:00 am Saturday morning. Single adult Bald Eagles were at Upper ers this far east in the county. Make motel reservations now! Clos- San Leandro Reservoir on 2/25 and at San A female Phainopepla provided a rare est motels are in Sierra City, 18 miles Pablo Reservoir on 3/3 (DE). record for the Berkeley Hills when it was down Highway 49. Herrington’s Sierra A Ferruginous Hawk was seen by many found on 3/24 near the Bear Creek en- Pines (530-862-1151) is one of the best; at Briones Regional Park from 3/10-29 trance to Briones Regional Park (GG). Buckhorn Lodge (800-991-1170) has (AH et al.). The at Byron Hot Springs new cabins; Golden West Saloon Res- Lark Bunting Fifty Sandhill Cranes were at Holland in east county continued through at least taurant and Motel in Loyalton (530- Tract east of Knightsen on 3/3 (SH). 3/9 (DN). 993-4467). There are campgrounds Three , a nice tally for at Chapman Creek and Yuba Pass. Ruddy Turnstones A White-throated Sparrow continued in this species in the county, were on Brooks Other accommodations, including a Moraga yard to at least 3/13 (SP); another Island near Richmond on 3/31 (PR). some campgrounds, are listed at www. visited a Hercules feeder from mid-Febru- sierracity.com/Stay/LodgingCamp. A Eurasian Collared-Dove was found in ary to at least 3/7 (MM). html. San Francisco State University a Moraga yard on 3/2, furnishing the third A Lapland Longspur was reported with- maintains its Sierra Nevada campus record for the county (JC). out details from Byron Hot Springs on 3/9 six miles above Sierra City on Highway As many as 7 Short-eared Owls contin- (DN). It has been decades since the last 49. Theey have a useful web link to ued at Byron Hot Springs through at least county record. accommodations in the area at www. 2/20 (SH). A Hooded Oriole returned to a Concord sfsu/~sierra/accom.htm. In the middle A pair of Yellow-billed Magpies were feeder for a 3rd consecutive winter on of the Sierra Valley near Loyalton, the confirmed nesting along Taylor Road on 1/2 (PB). T Lazy R Ranch is a working cattle Bethel Island on 3/14 (BC). There are few Ron Barklow, Polly Boissevain, Bethi Carv- ranch with a guest house for rent. nest records for the county and this may er, Judi Cooper, Daniel Edelstein, George Owner Tim Rees can be reached for be the first for the island. Griffeth, Anne Hoff, Steve Hutchcraft, reservations at 530-993-1560. A Winter Wren put in a surprise first-time Patrick King, Marylou Mull, Dick Norton, After June 10, call Wild Birds Un- appearance in a Lafayette yard along Las Susan Parr, Phila Rogers, Maury Stern. limited (925-798-0303) for confirma- tion of trip information. Black Diamond Mines Regional Park, Garin Regional Park, April 7. Not for the March 31. Seven birders enjoyed a warm first time, the leader had no followers. But spring day hiking in Black Diamond he was not lacking in birds, for the cool Trip Reports Mines Regional Park in Antioch. The best green hills and bushes of Garin Park had Upper San Leandro Reservoir, March 15. birds were a perched and singing Califor- Bullock’s Orioles aplenty, Black-headed Nineteen birders enjoyed a beautiful spring nia Thrasher, a pair of Phainopepla in the Grosbeak, House Wren, Wilson’s Warbler, morning at Valle Vista/Upper San Leandro oaks just west of the picnic area, a spec- all singing prominently. A Warbling Vireo Reservoir in Moraga. Only a few spring tacular adult Lark Sparrow in crisp breed- was gathering large pieces of bark for her migrants had arrived but we still saw or ing plumage and a beautiful male Hooded nest. Two very common birds were also heard 60 species. First, the Riche Loop trail Oriole which perched momentarily for us worth noting; far more Steller’s Jays than produced a lot of birds and then the pine following lunch. Oak Titmice, Wrentits, I’ve ever seen at Garin, and a flock of Cedar grove and corral road kept our interest up. and Orange-crowned Warblers were sing- Waxwings, which we haven’t seen on our The lake was very low, significantly limiting ing everywhere. Surprisingly, no wrens chapter trips there previously. In all there the number of waterbirds present but still were seen. Due to the dry conditions, few were 46 species, counting the impressive we saw a group of 21 Wood Ducks. Other flowers were blooming, though Sticky large falcon that sailed overhead, for which good birds included a California Thrasher, Monkey Flowers, Indian Paint Brush and the light (and my skill) was too poor to five kinds of woodpecker, a Common Mer- Indian Warriers put on a nice show. 43 decide whether Prairie or Peregrine. ganser, and a fly-over Varied Thrush. species were seen and heard. Fred Safier Don Lewis Eugenia Larson the Quail —— May/June 2007 Return of the Condor The book also includes references If you are among those who have ad- about the locations throughout California, mired the majesty of our largest bird, the Arizona and Utah where you might be able California Condor, you would most likely to see Condors in the wild. More than 125 enjoy reading Return of the Condor: The California Condors now patrol the skies. Yet Race to Save Our Largest Bird from Ex- the birds are still at great risk from lead poi- tinction, a new book by naturalist and soning caused by their ingesting deer and award-winning science writer John Moir. other game killed with lead bullets. Another The author begins his narrative with major problem is that of power lines. the capture, in 1987, of AC9 (Adult Con- On March 24 an egg, laid by Condor dor 9), the last free-flying bird of his kind. 217, was found in an abandoned eagle nest At that time there was heated controversy on a cliff in the Sierra San Pedro de Martir about the wisdom of mounting a costly National Park, in the interior of Baja Cali- and uncertain captive-breeding program fornia more than 100 miles south of the for this species against those who op- U.S.-Mexico border. That’s good news, and posed confining Condors for any reason. indeed affirms the Return of the Condor. The story of this dilemma, its cast of char- acters, its development over the last two decades, and the gladdening outcome is An autographed copy of this book will be presented in great detail. raffled at the May 3 meeting of MDAS.

At the Martin Luther King, Jr. Re- bay, to find a suitable crossing of the Napa gional Shoreline, Arrowhead Marsh re- River. The John F. Kennedy Park in Napa in- portedly hosts more than one in twenty of cludes marshland and riparian areas, and is all California Clapper Rails. Avocets and also a place where you might take to a kayak Black-necked Stilts breed here. or canoe to bird from the river. In downtown Oakland, Lake Merritt To the west from Napa, at Petaluma, was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the Shollenberger Park adjoins the Petaluma country, dedicated in 1869. Tufted Ducks River and provides a series of ponds that and Barrow’s Goldeneyes are two species host many species of waterfowl. The Point that often show up during the winter. Reyes Bird Observatory headquarters and This Red Phalarope was photographed An off-the-beaten-track site well research complex is located alongside one during a Mount Diablo Audubon field trip worth a visit is the Carquinez Strait Re- of the trails at Shollenberger Park. to the Hayward Regional Shoreline in Sep- gional Shoreline. This park looks down Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds in Marin tember, 2006. over the waters and offers a vista of wa- County are part of a water treatment plant; » Continued from Page 8 terfowl below, Western Bluebirds and levee trails encircle the ponds and allow Western Meadowlarks in the fields, and you to view many ducks and geese, Osprey, Birding the San Francisco Bay Trail raptors overhead. kites and other raptors, perhaps Virginia Park and Lake, birding is excellent at any Rails. And at the trailhead, the Las Gallinas time of year. Valley Sanitary District claims to maintain The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay “one of the most beautiful public toilets in National Wildlife Refuge is not only a good the bay area.” place to study shorebirds and gulls, but a China Camp State Park has one of the wide variety of raptors, including Burrow- largest remnants of the natural mosaic of ing Owls and Barn Owls, are here as well. wetland and upland natural communities Coyote Hills Regional Park is a place of any stretch of shoreline around the San with a great diversity of habitat, from wood- Western Bluebirds and Western Meadow- Francisco estuary. The park has excellent land and marsh areas to the mudflats on larks gambol in the grasses of Carquinez tidal wetlands bordered by interpretive the bayside. The diversity of birds is equally Strait Regional Shoreline. Downtown Mar- trails. Surrounding the marsh are a mix impressive, from wrens to raptors. tinez and Mount Diablo frame the view. of grasslands and oak woodlands that The Hayward Regional Shoreline is a Another lesser-known location, good together constitute a relatively intact eco- popular birding spot. It seems to be popu- for waterfowl, gulls, and other species, is logical watershed. lar with such species as American Pipit in White Slough in Vallejo. Black Rail are You can spend many weekends visiting the fall, as well as occasional longspurs. known to breed here, as do Saltmarsh these stops on the Birding the San Fran- Black Skimmers might be expected; and Common Yellowthroat and Least Terns. cisco Bay Trail, each a place to enjoy your Red Knots are reliable in winter. The Bay Trail turns north, away from the avocation of choice. the Quail —— May/June 2007 Wood Duck Continued from Page 3 » Aix sponsa Elderberry

Although male Wood Ducks are beautiful- ly colored with a bright green crest, speckled chestnut chest, red bill, and bold white markings on the face, the female does not share these characteristics. She has a special beauty of her own. The teardrop shaped white coloring around the eye is distinctive, and the speculum West County Landfill Loop on her wing is quite pretty. Wood Ducks are cavity nesters, but because natural tree cavities are scarce, nesting sites, or blowguns if you have your non-profit of choice when you order they will readily use nest boxes. However, young boys in your life. on-line, and you will be helping the chap- if the boxes are too close together, females Red elderberry, S. racemosa, is more ter in its work for conserving and enrich- may lay eggs in the nest boxes of other fe- prevalent in Northern California in moist ing our local environment. They can be males. Unable to fly, newly hatched duck- canyons. It will grow here provided that found at www.bayflora.com. lings need to jump from their tree cavity you give it regular water in the summer. or nest box and make their way to water. The berries are a deep red color that birds Bringing Back the They’ve been known to survive this “solo love. S. nigra and S. canadensis are not flight” from heights of 200 feet. native, but are used more in the horticul- Natives Heritage Day at Borges Ranch tural and culinary world for their more A free self-guided tour of 60 Contra varied flower color and fruit. Both re- Costa and Alameda County gardens will Walnut Creek’s Heritage Day at quire summer water to look their best. let you delve more deeply into the advan- Borges Ranch will be on Saturday, June 9, A short word on toxicity in all elders. tages of using California natives to attract from 10 am to 5 pm. There will be a wide Many believe that the plant is highly toxic birds, bees and butterflies to your -gar range of activities for the entire fam- and choose not to plant it. In truth, the den, to lower your water bill, and reduce ily, including food, live entertainment, berries and leaves contain a chemical that your need for pesticides. Dates are April a children’s art show, demonstrations of can cause nausea in people. The com- 28 and May 5 and 6. Registration is re- early ranching skills, and more. Mount pound can be inactivated by cooking. Red quired at www.BringingBackTheNatives. Diablo Audubon will have an environ- elderberry is considered the most toxic, net. Call (510) 236-9558 (9 am to 9 pm) mental booth at this event, with the aim so it is not used for cooking or wine. Na- for questions. Major sponsors include the of helping children learn about birds and tive Americans used the crushed leaves as East Bay Chapter of the California Native nature. We need two more volunteers to a poultice for relieving the sting of bees, Plant Society, Contra Costa Clean Water take part for an hour or two. Please be and the fruit as food. The flowers can also Program, EBMUD, and the cities of Wal- one of those two! be used in batter and fried as fritters. nut Creek, El Cerrito, Richmond and An- Volunteers are also needed to assist There is another way that planting tioch. with a membership recruitment drive elderberry can indirectly benefit birds. On Saturday and Sunday, May 5–6, a which will be on Mothers’ Day, Sunday, Bay Flora, a local Berkeley company, will Native Plant Sale Extravaganza will take May 13 at Wild Birds Unlimited in Pleas- contribute 15% of your purchase price place. During the Extravaganza a num- ant Hill. of plants, seeds, wreaths, and tableware ber of nurseries specializing in California If you can help at either of these to the non-profit of your choice. Though natives will be open from 10:00 to 5:00. events, please telephone Shirley Ellis at they only offer the non-native species of These nurseries, many not normallly 938-3703. She will give you more details elders, our birds will still enjoy them. You open to the public, carry large quantities about these or other opportunities. can designate Mount Diablo Audubon as of hard-to-find California natives. the Quail —— May/June 2007 The public can report dead birds IMBD—Sequoia Audubon Society & About West Nile either by calling the toll-free WNV hotline, California State Parks, May 12–13. Join The following letter was recieved by Mount 1-877-968-BIRD (2473), or by submitting the nation in celebrating and learning Diablo Audubon recently; it was sent by the an online report at www.westnile.ca.gov. about migratory birds. A day of fun and California Department of Health Services. The hotline is staffed seven days a week learning for the whole family. Learn about Thank you very much for your from 8 am to 5 pm. Calls received after how climate changes affect the migration continued support in our efforts to monitor hours and on weekends are recorded, of birds from North America to Central the spread of West Nile virus (WNV). In reviewed and logged. Additionally, we and South America. Activities include 2006, there were 4,219 human cases of have Spanish speaking hotline staff and exhibits, arts and crafts; learn about bird WNV reported nationally, of which 276 recorded messages in Spanish. houses, guided bird walks at 1 pm each day, were from California. Of those infected, The CDHS relies primarily on vector activities for children. Admission to the 161 people in the United States have control and environmental health agencies State Park is $6 per car. Directions: Hwy 92 died from WNV; 7 fatalities were from to collect and ship dead birds for WNV to Hwy 1. Go south to the first intersection California. As WNV continues to be very testing. Over 46,000 dead birds were of Kelly Ave., turn right and go west to the active in California, surveillance of wild reported and 6,535 were submitted Half Moon Bay State Beach entrance. Dress bird populations remains very mportant. for WNV testing in 2006. Many birds in layers for warm to cool weather; bring a Dead bird surveillance is a key are not submitted for testing because picnic lunch and fluids. Be ready for a fun component of an early warning system the carcass is unsuitable for testing or day. For more information: 95 Kelly Ave, to detect WNV activity. Last year, dead because the local vector agency may Half Moon Bay, California 94019. Phone: birds were the first indicator of WNV in lack adequate resources to respond All (650) 726-8819. Web Site: www.parks. 38 of the 54 WNV positive counties. Of dead bird reports, whether the bird is ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=531. E-mail: 6,535 birds tested last year, 1,446 were tested or not, are input to the Dynamic [email protected]. found positive for WNV. Approximately Continuous-Area Space-Time (DYCAST) Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua, June 47% of these WNV positive birds were system to identify increased activity of 15–17, Lee Vining. This is a birding fes- American Crows. The species that most WNV. Therefore a bird that is acceptable tival like no other. You simply must look often test positive for WNV are: American for testing should still be reported to the over the program to believe it. See it at Crow, Western Scrub-Jay, Yellow-billed hotline or via the website. http://www.birdchautauqua.org/. Look Magpie, House Finch, American Robin, For information on WNV surveillance for Gray and Willow Flycatchers or Juniper House Sparrow, Steller’s Jay, Northern in Califomia, please call the WNV hotline Titmouse. Mockingbird, Barn Owl, Common Raven, (1-877-968-BIRD) or visit the CDHS West Chautauqua is an institution that Cooper’s Hawk, European Starling, Nile virus website (www.westnile.ca.gov). began in the late 19th century to provide Mourning Dove, and Red-shouldered higher education opportunities through Hawk. To date, WNV has been detected in the combination of lectures, concerts, and 285 bird species in the United States since Ornithological public events. The institution grew from 1999. Avian symptoms of WNV infection the early-American thirst for self-improve- may include ataxia, recumbency, unusual Opportunities ment and education and later evolved into posture, convulsions, circling behavior, Alcatraz Island—International Migra- a traveling movement or circuit that be- and emaciation. These symptoms are not tory Bird Day, June 2−3. Join the National came most popular in the rural Midwest. exclusive to WNV; therefore, diagnostic Park Service in celebrating migratory birds tests must be performed to confirm WNV on Alcatraz Island. Come see the wild side The Chautauqua circuit flourished in infection. of the island prison and enjoy seeing the the early 1900s before a gradual decline This year, the California Department nesting migratory seabirds. What better in the 1920s and 1930s. These traveling of Health Services (CDHS) and local way to learn about birds than to see them Chautauqua is the most American thing in America! vector control agencies will collect and in action? Alcatraz offers its visitors an Teddy Roosevelt test all bird species but will emphasize opportunity to see first hand the nesting the most susceptible birds, including behaviors and chicks of all the nesting Chautauquas featured oratory, drama, and corvids (i.e. crows, ravens, magpies, and birds that inhabit the island. There will music. Famous personalities or politicians jays), sparrows, finches, and raptors. To be hands-on activities for kids and adults. would sometimes speak, and admission be acceptable for testing, a bird must be Volunteer docents will be on site interpret- was cheap. The Chautauqua varied in con- dead for no longer than 24 hours at the ing some of the bird species on Alcatraz for tent, approach, and quality. Typically they time of report. Signs that a bird has been the visitors. Enjoy shade grown coffee and were held in an outdoor setting under tents dead for too long include the appearance of chocolate on site while you learn amazing where the public could attend a lecture or being dried out, rotting, or having sunken/ facts about our feathered friends. Make performance. missing eyes. Birds from unsecured this International Migratory Bird Day a Chautauqua is an Iroquois word locations (streets, parks, parking lots) or memorable one by celebrating on Alcatraz meaning either “two moccasins tied to- that have been run over are generally not Island! For more information: Fort Mason, gether” or “jumping fish”. Chautauqua accepted for testing. Dead birds can be Bldg 201, San Francisco, CA 94123. Phone: is also a lake, a county, and a town in refrigerated; do not put the carcass in a (415) 561-4908. E-mail: christian_hell- southwestern New York—home of the refrigerator used to hold food. [email protected]. Chautauqua Institution. the Quail —— May/June 2007 the Quail is published 10 times a year by the MDAS MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION Mount Diablo Audubon Society c Please enroll my family and me as a member of Mount Diablo Audubon • a nonprofit organization dedicated to habitat Society for $25 for one year. conservation and environmental education • c For an additional $20 (new NAS members only) or $35 (returning mem- P.O. Box 53 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 bers), please enroll me in the National Audubon Society to receive four (925) AUD-UBON • (925) 283-8266 quarterly issues of the Audubon Magazine. MDAS Board of Directors c I’m enclosing an additional tax-deductible donation of $______. President: Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 Vice President: Mike Williams, 376-1631 Name______Treasurer: Steve Buffi, 938-0929 Address______Board Secretary: Claudia Hein, 671-0401 City, State______Zip______Sales Manager: Barbara Vaughn, 376-8732 Programs: Alice Holmes, 938-1581 Phone ( ____ )______Email______Field Trips: Hugh Harvey, 935-2979 Card Number:______Membership: Ann McGregor, 968-1677 Volunteer Coordinator: ____ Visa ____ MasterCard ______Expiration Date:______Shirley Ellis, 938-3703 Name on Card:______Hospitality: Gerry Argenal, 768-6325 Education: Cecil Williams, 376-1631 Please make your check payable to: Access: Beverly Hawley, 947-0479 MT. DIABLO AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail with this application to: Webmaster: Patrick King, 510-642-6522 Membership Chair, 400 Oneida Court, Danville, CA 94526 Chapter Development: Paul Schorr, 757-5107 Hands-On Conservation: Is the grass greener on the other side? states such as California, Washington, Nancy Wenninger, 938-7987 Not if you use ecological lawn care Arizona, Pennsylvania and Maryland are Christmas Count: methods. According to the U.S. Envi- offering rebate programs, where a gaso- Jimm Edgar, 510-658-2330 ronmental Protection Agency, over 54 line powered mower can be turned in for Member-at-Large: million American homeowners use gas a rebate on an electric one. Alternative Jean Richmond, 837-2843 fuel lawn mowers are in the works. The Don Yoder, 937-5974 powered lawn mowers, which cause as much as five percent of the nation’s air Toro Co. has developed a mower which Quail Editor: Ellis Myers, 284-4103 can utilize 20 percent vegetable oil and 215 Calle La Mesa pollution, as well as contribute to global 80 percent petroleum (B-20) and expect Moraga, CA 94556-1603 warming. Lawn mowers are not current- [email protected] ly equipped with catalytic converters, as models that run on pure biodiesel fuel to be available by 2009. The Quail is printed on 30% post-consumer waste are cars, and therefore contribute a dis- recycled paper. Deadline for the July-August issue proportionately high amount of pollu- See www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/ is June 10. tion to the environment. A 2001 Swedish Healthy_Yard.html for more advice on study concluded that air pollution from creating a healthy backyard. By following The Garden Center an hour of grass cutting with a gasoline these tips, the grass will truly be greener Mount Diablo Audubon Society meets on the powered lawn mower is about the same in your yard. Audubon Newswire first Thursday of each month, except July and as that from a 100-mile automobile ride. August, in the Camellia Room of The Gardens Roger Westerholm, Ph.D., of Stockholm at Heather Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, University states that these emissions can Walnut Creek. Everyone is invited. be reduced by more than 80 percent us- ing a catalytic converter like those used in automobiles. Stricter emissions standards for lawn mowers will be a future reality. As of this year, California is requiring newly manu- factured lawn mowers and other small en- gine devices to have catalytic converters. In addition, many concerned homeown- ers are switching to electric lawn mowers, Red-bellied Hawk which can be either corded or cordless. Buteo lineatus elegans Electric mowers are quieter and need less Birds of Golden Gate Park routine maintenance than gas mowers. Joseph Mailliard For corded mowers it is important to use 1930 an electricity supplier that minimizes en- vironmental pollution. Vendors in some the Quail —— May/June 2007 Mount Diablo Audubon Society Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 53 U.S. Postage Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 PAID Return Service Requested Permit No. 66 Concord, CA

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Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds, Marin County

birds. Pelagic birds can be seen offshore where Clapper Rails share the marsh with from Fort Mason, and raptors are often shorebirds and sometimes with rareties Quickies seen from Battery West under the Golden such as Sedge Wren and Nelson’s Sharp- Weekend Birding in California Gate Bridge. tailed Sparrow. The Colma Creek Public Shore north Farther south is Coyote Point, site Birding the San Francisco Bay Trail of the San Francisco Airport is an area of an old Ohlone fishing village, and now The San Francisco Bay Trail is a project home to the Coyote Point Museum for of the Associated Bay Area Governments Saturday, June 9. Birding the Bay Environmental Education. Coyote Point that is destined to become a recreational Trail at Carquinez Strait Regional Museum features a 4000-square foot walk- corridor encircling San Francisco and San Shoreline. In conjunction with San through aviary for nonreleasable, native Pablo Bays with a continuous 400-mile Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, this California birds. A pond and waterfall give network of bicycling and hiking trails. It is a new trip for MDAS. Carquinez a natural setting and let visitors view the will connect the shoreline of all nine Bay Regional Shoreline provides unique birds up close. Along the bayshore, Black Area counties, link 47 cities, and cross the views of this inland waterway. An- Oystercatchers and Black Turnstones are major toll bridges. At present more than nual grasslands slope down to the regular visitors. Harlequin Ducks and half—240 miles—of the Bay Trail’s ultimate water with pockets of oak woodland Least Terns are possible. length has been completed. and coastal scrub dotting the hill- Red Knot, Marbled Godwit, Short- A birding guide to this trail has been sides, offering lots of edge habitat billed Dowitchers, Willet, and other shore- published in cooperation with the Coastal for birds. Free to members of MDAS birds find the mudflats productive at low Conservancy and the San Francisco Bay or SFBBO, $10 donation requested tide, or they roost at high tide, and they Bird Observatory. This guide claims only for nonmembers. Meet 8 am at the can be seen from the Bay Trail near the to be an introduction to the many areas Carquinez Strait east staging area lo- San Mateo Bridge. Long-tailed Duck has to find watchable birdlife, and outlines 16 cated on Carquinez Scenic Drive west shown up on numerous occasions. of Martinez. Leader: Cheryl Abel. locations of particular interest. Palo Alto Baylands is perhaps best RSVP to Juliana Chow, Outreach The first stop is the San Francisco known for Black Rail, but, together with Specialist SFBBO at outreach@sfbbo. Presidio, where the Crissy Field restored nearby Charleston Slough and Shoreline org or 408-946-6548. Category 3. thewetlands Quail offer habitat for marshland —10— ContinuedMay/June on Page 2007 6 »